Topgolf Blog

10 Crazy World Cup Blasts from the Past

The World Cup: it’s the most widely
viewed and followed sporting event in the world, where champions are born and
dreams come true. The competition showcases the crème de la crème of footballers
from around the globe, showcasing their many talents in front of millions of
vibrant fans.

With that in mind, you’d expect the
talking points to be around the 40-yard screamers, the hometown heroes, or the
individual brilliance that unlocked the world’s greatest back four. Well, we
beg to differ….here are our top 10 talking points from years gone by.

10. In your shin…I meant
face!

With the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil,
it was only fair we started with one of their own. Rivaldo, renowned for his
vision and wonderful left foot, tarnished his name with this shocking dive
during the 2006 clash with Turkey. Hakan Unsal of Turkey struck the ball
against Rivaldo’s shins, only for the magician to fall to the ground, clutching
his face in pure agony. Unfortunately for Turkey, Hakan Unsal was sent off and
Brazil went on to win the tie.

9. Ohhh David, it was all your
fault…(Not the fact we’re useless at penalties)

The moment a national hero turned
villain. An exciting game of football, which included one of the goals of the
1998 tournament when an 18-year-old Michael Owen made his mark on the world
scene, was slightly overshadowed when David Beckham lashed out at Diego
Simeone. Unfortunately for England, and David, his teammates were unable to
progress after yet more penalty shoot-out heartache.

8. BHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

…The sound of the 2010 World cup, when
football was introduced to South Africa’s instrument of choice, the Vuvuzela.
Thankfully, FIFA quickly reacted by banning future use at football stadiums.

7. That hair cut!

When you reach a World Cup final, it’s
important to look your best with billions of people watching. Regrettably for
Ronaldo, someone obviously shaved the back of his head and didn’t tell him,
because it was his hairdo that made all the headlines (no pun intended) that
night. You’d probably forgotten Brazil went on to win the tournament that
year….it’s OK, we did too.

6. The Hand of God

It’s one of the most famous moments in
footballing history: Maradona’s “Hand of God.” The quarter final match against
England was an intense affair, with both sides fielding a strong team. This was
Maradona’s first goal of the game, with his second widely regarded as one of
the greatest individual goals ever scored. However, it was this moment that had
football fans talking for years.

5. The Wink

Yet again, more quarter-final heartache
for England as they were knocked out of the 2006 World Cup after losing on
penalties to Portugal. It was, however, Rooney’s dismissal that grabbed
headlines as his club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to encourage the
officials in their decision, followed by that famous wink to his fellow
countrymen…you naughty boy!

4. Rex Kwon Do

When two of the most technically gifted
football teams meet in a World Cup final, you’d expect an entertaining game
that’s easy on the eye. But that was far from the truth as the Netherlands used
their feet to kick everything but the ball.

3. "I could see that went in from here!"

Oh dear, it’s the same old story for
England. A moment that reinforced the need for goal line technology, as Frank
Lampard’s 39thminute
“goal” was disallowed after bouncing a foot behind the line. If the goal were to
have stood, England would have been level with Germany with all to play for.
However, it was curtains for the three lions yet again.

2. Zidane heads to the exit

It was the last game of a glittering
career for Zinedine Zidane, one of the world’s greatest players. It was another
World Cup final, this time against rivals Italy…but once again it wasn’t the
football that would have us talking for years to come. As the game headed for
penalties, a brief exchange of words led to Zizou head-butting Marco Materazzi,
leading to the Frenchman’s dismissal and untimely end to his playing
career.

1. What
next?

There is no guessing what the talking
points will be this summer; but what we can expect is yet more brilliant
football, more heartache and some surprises along the way...and the best place to watch it all? Topgolf of course!

Author

Michael Hay

Aka the "Haymaker," Michael loves to party and is always on the lookout for new ideas to make Topgolf the ultimate Night spot. He claims to be a good cook and often spends his time mastering the art of beans on toast! Michael has a love for all sports and is a lifelong Arsenal FC fan even though there's speculation he once won £150 betting against his own team. Damage Control!